Just A Little Plaque

Written by Chuck Guthrie

This past fall my wife and I led workshops for LifeWay’s Fall Festival of Marriage events. Not only were we privileged to be able to invest in the lives of couples seeking to enrich their marriages, but our relationship grew as well. We were able to take advantage of the other workshops, worship experiences, speakers and special times together.

 One of the high points of these events is the opportunity given to couples to renew and recommit their wedding vows. Since we’d been in the ceremony several times at different events, and this would be our last festival for the fall season, I wanted to do something a little memorable for my wife. Since I wasn’t in the financial position to purchase a diamond or anything that spectacular, I decided to purchase a decorative plaque from “Willow Tree” titled “Embrace.” It’s a very simple design with neutral tones and a couple holding each other. On the back of it I wrote this special sentiment:  “Janie, Thank you for all our extra special memories during the conferences. I love you now more than ever. Love, Chuck  Fall 2005” 

During the ceremony, I pulled it from my coat pocket and gave it to her. She read it, then smiled and kissed me, and we finished the ceremony with the other attendees.

After we returned home, I noticed the little plaque on my wife’s bedside table. This is rare since she’s not much into clutter or stuff lying about. I also noticed that each day it was turned over to the words I had lovingly penned on the back. I smiled each time I’d see it laying there. After all, how often do we husbands think to do something thoughtful ahead of time, follow through, and it actually end up being meaningful? I was feeling pretty good about it!

After a few months had passed, I brought it up one morning as we were getting ready for the day. In a sweet voice I said something like, “I’m really surprised how much you like the little plaque I got for you at the Fall Festival of Marriage.”

“What plaque?” she said, continuing to look into the mirror fixing her hair.

“The one that is sitting on your bedside table. You always have it turned over to what I wrote you…” 

Before I could even finish speaking she busted out into uncontrollable laughter. She couldn’t speak she was laughing so hard. Then she said, “You’re so sweet, but I just turn it over to use for a coaster for my water at night.”

Then we both burst out laughing. All this time I thought she was reflecting on my meaningful words, but they weren’t even being noticed. My wife is my best friend would never do anything intentional to hurt my feelings. She really did appreciate the thoughtful gift, she just created a more practical use for it than what I had originally intended.

Does this sound familiar? Have you every felt your heart was tossed aside, misunderstood or misused? Hopefully, you’re able to laugh it off or talk it out. In a marriage relationship, communication is the key ... but it takes two. You can’t control the other person’s actions or response, but you can consider the following:

Forgive any big or little hurts.
"For if you forgive people their wrongdoing, your heavenly Father will forgive you as well." (Matthew 6:14, HCSB)

Pray for your spouse.
"Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." (Philippians 4:6, HCSB)

Pray for yourself.
"The Lord has heard my plea for help; the Lord accepts my prayer." (Psalm 6:9, HCSB)
 
Watch who you speak to or what you say about the situation.
"No rotten talk should come from your mouth, but only what is good for the building up of someone in need." (Ephesians 4:29, HCSB)

Be sure to check-out LifeWay’s Fall Festival of Marriage Events. They’re custom designed with you in mind. Trust me ... you’ll be glad you did!

Chuck Guthrie’s heart is to present home decorating and improvement ideas with the ever-present theme of Jesus Christ’s lordship in the home.

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